Sparrow

You know, there’s a reason why this blog’s theme tune is a song written by Audrey Assad…

The original lyrics for this song were written by Civilla Martin. The sparrow referred to in the song is a reference to Jesus’ teaching recorded in Matthew’s Gospel:

“Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?…Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father’s care. And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows”- Matthew 6:26; 10:29-31

I came across a moving description by the author concerning the song’s inspiration:

“Early in the spring of 1905, my husband and I were sojourning in Elmira, New York. We contracted a deep friendship for a couple by the name of Mr. and Mrs. Doolittle—true saints of God. Mrs. Doolittle had been bedridden for nigh twenty years. Her husband was an incurable cripple who had to propel himself to and from his business in a wheel chair. Despite their afflictions, they lived happy Christian lives, bringing inspiration and comfort to all who knew them.

One day while we were visiting with the Doolittles, my husband commented on their bright hopefulness and asked them for the secret of it. Mrs. Doolittle’s reply was simple: “His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.”

The beauty of this simple expression of boundless faith gripped the hearts and fired the imagination of Dr. Martin and me. The hymn “His Eye Is on the Sparrow” was the outcome of that experience” – Civilla Martin

My Godson’s Birthday

Today is my Godson’s birthday so I thought I’d do a little bit of a giveaway to mark the occasion. The prize up for grabs is a signed copy of Getting Started In Apologetics by the very excellent Patrick Coffin.

Entering is easy. Simply leave a comment below, together with the text of your favourite prayer (I’m always on the lookout for new ones!).

At the end of the month I will then use a random number generator to pick the winner and then mail out the CDs.

Good luck!

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Liturgy of St. James

St James Below is the text that we will be studying in JP2 on Thursday. It is an abridged form of the ancient Liturgy of St. James. This version of it comes from around the 4th Century.

This is the oldest Eucharistic liturgy still in use today. It was also the blueprint used for the Liturgy of St. Basil and the Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom, both of which are regularly used among Byzantine Catholics and Eastern Orthodox today. 

Petitions

Priest: Peace be with you.

People: And with your spirit.

Priest: The Lord bless us all, and sanctify us for the…celebration of the divine and pure mysteries…  Amen.

Deacon: In peace let us pray to the Lord. For the peace that is from on high, and for God’s love to man, and for the salvation of our souls, let us pray to the Lord. For peace in the whole world, for the unity of all the holy churches of God, let us pray to the Lord. For the remission of our sins, and forgiveness of our transgressions, and for our deliverance from all tribulation, wrath, … and distress…, let us pray to the Lord.

Singers: Holy God, holy mighty, holy immortal, have mercy upon us.

Priest: O compassionate and merciful, patient, gracious, and true God…hear us. Deliver us from every temptation of the devil and man… For we are unable to overcome what is opposed to us. But you are able, Lord, to save us… Because you are holy, Lord our God, … we send up the praise and the thrice-holy hymn to you, the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, now and forever, and for all eternity.

People: Amen.

Priest: Peace be with you.

People: And with your spirit.

Singers: Alleluia.

[The liturgy proceeds with readings from the Old and New Testaments]

Deacon: Let us all say: Lord, have mercy.

Lord Almighty, the God of our fathers: We beseech you, hear us. For peace from on high, and for the salvation of our souls, let us pray to the Lord… For the people standing and waiting for the rich and bountiful mercy that comes from you, we beseech you, be merciful and gracious.

Save your people, O Lord, and bless your inheritance. Visit your world with mercy and compassion. Exalt the horn of Christians by the power of the precious and life-giving cross. We beseech you, most merciful Lord, hear our prayer, and have mercy upon us.

People: Lord, have mercy, Lord have mercy, Lord have mercy.

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Meeting Angst

Last week we had a meeting of the Young Adult Commission. At these meetings we go over the current Young Adult initiatives in the Diocese and plan the new events for the months ahead.

Highs

At these meetings I’m often inspired. It’s encouraging to be with other Young Adult leaders who are passionate about what they’re doing. It’s great to feed off one another’s energy and catch a vision of “what could be…”.

Therefore encourage one another and build each other up – 1 Thessalonians 5:11

At last week’s meeting we came up with some superb ideas. Let me tell you, there’s some really good stuff in the pipeline for this summer…

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Resolution Update

Okaaaaay….it’s new resolution update time…

1. Read through the New Testament Twice
My reading has been too irregular.

2. More dancing
Meh

3. Be more gentle with people
Some successes and failures

4. No sodas/fizzy drinks
21 days clean 🙂

5. Get into the best shape of my life
Boot camp still going well

6. Complete reading list
Over half way through The Church And The New Media and loving it 🙂

7. Keep proper track of finances
Mostly good

8. Tick something off my TODO list
My mirror is covered with crossed-off items!

10. Fast on Wednesday and Friday
Halo is nice and shiny

11. Give up Facebook for 40 days
Will be doing this in March.

12. Make an effort to dress well for Mass
Looking swanky 🙂

Taking the Mickey

It’s known as “The Happiest Place On Earth”

Many of my fellow San Diegans have been shocked when they’ve found out that I’ve lived here for nearly two years and yet never been to Disneyland.

Well, this last weekend I finally went. I had my picture taken in front of the castle. I saw Goofy. I managed not to tut too loudly or roll my eyes or shake my head too much. I went on the rides. I managed to keep my lunch down. I bought mouse ears…

I remember once hearing Greg Proops, an American comedian who performs a lot in England, succinctly explain the difference between the Americans and the English. He said that, to understand the difference between our two peoples, one only has to look at our differing reactions to Disneyland…

The American: “Hey kids! Look! it’s Mickey! He really DOES live here! That is AWESOME! Hey, let’s go get our picture taken with him, c’mon! YEAH!”

The Englishman: “Oh please…”

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